James Martin served up a delicious fruit meringue gâteau dessert with four layers of meringue on James Martin: Home Comforts.

James says: “Meringue desserts are easy to prepare ahead and always make a statement. Fill this with your favourite seasonal fruit.”

The ingredients for the meringues are: 6 free-range egg whites, 300g caster sugar, For the filling: 1 litre pints double cream and 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste.

To assemble: 500g strawberries, hulls removed, cut in half, 4 plums, cut in half, stones removed, finely sliced and 5 ripe figs, cut into small wedges.

To serve: 100g caster sugar and 2 tbsp toasted flaked almonds.